Apparatus for dispensing coating materials into cathode-ray tube envelopes



Dec. 6, 1955 J. B. LINDSAY 2,725,845

APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATERIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR JAMES B. LINDSAY 5, 1955 J. B. LINDSAY 2972554 APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATERIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-SheetZ INVENTOR JAMES B. LINDSAY Dec. 6. W55 J. B. LINDSAY fifi fifi APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATERIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 /6 4 3 /66 3 I .v fig Q INVENTOR JAMES B. LINDSAY Dec. 6. 1955 UNDSAY 2,725,846

APPARATUS FOR D ENSING COAT ING MATERIALS INTO CATHO RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR JAMES B- LINDSAY Dec. 6. 1955 J. B. LINDSAY 2,725,846

APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATERIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR JAMES B. LINDSAY u SAY 2,725,846

Dec. 6, 1955 J. B.

APPARATUS FOR DISPENS COATING MAT ALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPE Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 INV OR JAMES B. DSAY Dec. 6, 1955 J. B. LINDSAY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATERIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Dec. 6, 1955 J. B. LINDSAY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATERIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES Original Filed Feb. 24. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 4 m n m m m mm Y n am w mwamefim T u u m n u N\ QM w 5 fl R n S R n m S A E n n M n u QEQ: M m

EWEQQQ 3 523 n m 1 a QR MR wk NR MR Eu NR Nu m United States Patent APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING COATING MATE- RIALS INTO CATHODE-RAY TUBE ENVELOPES James B. Lindsay, Millburu, N. 1., assiguor to Radio Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware Original application February 24, 1949, Serial No. 78,077,

now Patent No. 2,646,769, dated July 28, 1953. Divided and this application April 24, 1953, Serial No. 350,805 I Claims. (Cl. l18--2) This invention relates to the formation of coatings and more particularly to an apparatus for facilitating the production of such coatings which are applied in the form of a mechanical mixture or suspension and then allowed to settle out upon the surface to be coated.

This is a division of my application Serial No. 78,077, now Patent No. 2,646,769, filed February 24, l949, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

One example of such coatings is the luminescent screen on the face or end of a cathode-ray tube envelope which, insofar as I am familiar therewith, were applied by a so-called tilt table apparatus prior to the advent of the method and apparatus disclosed in the co-pending ap plication of J. Kent Burton, Serial Number 67,964, filed December 29, 1948, and now Patent No. 2,646,773, in accordance with which objects having surfaces onto which particles suspended in solution are to be applied, are moved continuously and at a constant speed through various positions such as dispensing, settling, recanting, washing and drying.

Such screens usually consist of several ingredients which must be maintained separate until they are intermingled at the time the coating is to be formed and may include a concentrate of a phosphor, an electrolyte, a binder and water. When these ingredients are brought together in the proper proportions a luminescent screen consisting of a binder and a phosphor isformed from which excess liquid is removed and the screen dried. Not only should the ingredients be added in accurately measured quantities but the order in which they are added has also been found to affect the quality of the screen formed. Furthermore the nature of these ingredients is such that if they come into contact with parts of the object other than that intended to receive the coating, such parts receive an objectionable film. V

Heretofore such objects have been individually charged with coating ingredients necessitating the presence of an operator to perform this function and who had to exercise constant care to avoid smearing inner or outer surfaces of the tube envelope with coating ingredients. Then the screen forming particles were settled, care being taken to avoid mechanical shocks or vibration which would disturb the even settling of the particles and hence the uniform density of the screen.

Thus, a principal object of my invention is to provide an apparatus to facilitate the application of screens or coatings formed by the settling out of particles from mechanical solution onto the surface to be coated thereby.

Another object of my invention is the provision of such apparatus which is fully automatic in operation.

A further object is to provide such apparatus which operates substantially free from vibration and which produces substantially uniform coatings free from blemishes.

Yet another object is the provision of means which facilitate the insertion and removal of objects to be coated by the apparatus.

A still further object is the provision of such apparatus which is so precise in its timed operations and which is so constructed as to reduce to a minimum or remove en-.

tirely the possibility that relatively fragile objects will become chipped, cracked or broken.

Other objects will appear as the nature of my invention is more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying draw ings wherein like parts are identified by identical numerals in the several views.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown, by way of illustration, one of the embodiments which the present invention may take:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view on a reduced scale of an apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the left end of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; V

Figure 3 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale of the envelope holder with the carriage therefor shown in elevation;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a modified holder;

Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating another embodiment of the means for guiding the carriages around the ends of the conveyor;

Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the dispenser;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the dispenser;

Figure 8 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale through the line 8-8 of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 with the parts shown in position prior to actuation;

Figure 10 is a sectional view through the line 10-10 of Figure 9 with the discharge tubes shown open;

Figure 11 is a sectional view through the line 11-11 of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale through the line 12-12 of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a side elevational view partially in section of the rinse and dry apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 14 is a sectional view through the line 14-14 of Figure 1;

Figure 15 is a view along the line 15-15 of Figure 13 in the direction indicated;

Figure 16 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system for controlling the dispenser elevating mechanism;

Figure 17 is a schematic wiring diagram of the apparatus; and I Figure 18 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale through the line 18-18 of Figure 13.

Referring first to Figure 1, it will be seen that my apparatus may include an endless belt type conveyor 20, a dispenser 21, rinse apparatus 22 and drying apparatus 23. Objects such as cathode-ray tube envelopes when loaded on a constantly moving conveyor 20 at station A, are carried through dispensing station B where they automatically receive a charge of coating or screen forming ingredients from dispenser 21. The envelopes continue in movement substantially undisturbed for a time long enough to permit even settling of the coating. On arriving in position C the coating forming particles have settled and between C and D excess liquid is poured off. The pouring off of excess liquid is carried out in an extremely slow and steady manner to avoid disturbance of the screen or coating by the liquid. Then between E and G the coatings are set. Thus, at E the envelope necks may be rinsed while between F and G the screens or coatings may be air dried. On returning to A, the en- I seen to have a main supporting frame indicated generally at 24 having suitably interconnected horizontal and ver- Patented Dec. 6, 1955 frame and at" each end thereof are rotatably mounted shafts 27, 28. Shaft 27 is mounted at each of its ends in bushings 29 (only one of which being shown) adjustably movable in housings 30'by means of adjusting screws and springs. A pair of idler sprockets 31' are mounted to rotate with shaft 27, one adjacent each end thereof. A

pair of drive sprockets 32; one in alinement with each of idler sprockets 31 are mounted to rotate with drive' shaft 28=on oppositeends. On a separate support 33 which is not connected in any manner to frame 24 is a motor 34 connected to a source of electrical power supply and to a reduction gear 35 which in turn is connected through a system of resilient belts 36 and pulleys to one end of shaft 37. On the other end of shaft 37 is a Worm gear 38 which meshes with a suitable gear 39keyed' to shaft 28i It is tobe' noted that the only connection between theniain conveyor and themot'or platform is the belts 36 which serve to prevent the transmission of undesirable vibration fromthe motor to the conveyor.

Also, supported at eachend of frame 24 are four substantially semi circular guide plates 40, one such plate being" disposed outwardly of and concentric with each' of the two idler sprockets 31 and the two drive'sprockets 32. As most clearly shown in Figure 2, plates 40 may be suitably connected to each bushing 41 in which the shaft 28 is rotatably mounted and to bushings 29 at the other end of conveyor 20. A channeled arcuate guide 42 isconnected adjacent to the periphery of each guide plate 40 and has an outside track 43' and an inside track forming arcuate channel 45'; Each outside track 43 may be provided with a facing or layer 43a of resilient material such'as rubber or the-like;

Two roller link endless chains 46, one stretched over and in mesh with each set of alined drive and idler sprockets; form an upper course 20a anda' lower course 20b: Rails 47" are disposed one on each side of upper course 20a and lower course 20b and extend=parallel to the same. Thus, there are four rails 47-, the'upper pair of which are clearly shown in Figure 6 while each rail of-the lower pair is below one of theupper rails'and in aline'rnenttherewith. Rails' 47 may be connected to horizontalframe' members 26 along their length and supported thereby in spaced relation with respect' to the chains.

A plurality of carriages indicated generally at 48; Figures 2 and 3, are carried by the conveyor, interconnecting the two chainsand supported by the rails 47, while those carriages passing around the ends of the conveyor from the upper to the lower course orfrom the lower to the upper course are supported by the respective guides 42; Eachcarriage includesa cross piece'49-which'is connected at each of its endsto the upper portions of side plates or trucks 5%);

Each truck 50 is recessed at one end thereof to receive a-leading' roll 51' and at the other'endto receive a trailing roll 52. Trailing rolls 52 are rotatably mounted on pins 53 while leading rolls- 51 are rotatably mounted on a stub-shaft 54a-at eachendof a connecting rod 54=which extends between the side plates or trucks 50 and thus serves tointerconnect the centers-of leading rolls 51 of the carriage. At the point where connecting rod 54 passes each chain it is connected thereto by'flanges 5S andbolts 56 or the-like. It'is-to be understood that while connecting rod 54 isrigidly connected to the chains, side plates-or trucks SOare free to rotate about stub shafts 54a and are therefore rotatable with respect to the'chains the purpose of which will be more fully pointed out hereinbelow. Rotatably mounted on the outer surface of each side plate or truck 50 is a guide roll 57 of such diameter and lengthas-to'extend'beyond ra'ils'47 andent'er channel 45 and pass therethrough in rolling engagement with the corresponding.- outer tracks- 43 as the carriages pass around the sprockets from the upper course to the lower course and also at the opposite end when they pass carry three such holders 58 though the apparatus may be designed for more or less as desired. Thus, inthe. present instance there are three lines of holders which extend longitudinally of the conveyor while the rows which extend transversely ofthe conveyor each consist of three holders and there are as many such. rows as there. are carriages. Each holder- 58 includes a receiver having a base 60 and an upstanding annular wall 61; Wall 61has an annular recess or channel formed therein adjacent'its upper or open end in whichtis positioned an endless inflatable tube 62 substantially D-shaped in cross-section. I have found that such a D-shaped tube permits the ready insertion and withdrawal of an object such as cathoderay tube envelope 63' when deflated and yet securely retains the envelopes in the holders when infiatedI An air valve is connected'to tube 62by means of stem 64 which passes through an opening in wall'61.

Also connected to each cross-piece 49 and depending therefrom (Figure 3') is an actuator bar 65 which as will be'seen operates various switches as it is carried around thepath described by the carriages.

As is apparent'in Figure 1, dispenser 21 is located over and adjacent one end of conveyor 20. In alinement with the conveyor andspaced from the other end thereof is a splash'shield 66 (Fig. 2) having a trough 66a disposed to receive liquid collected by the shield and conduct the same to a container or sewer (not shown).

Carriages 48 are of such dimensions that rolls 51,.52 on each side thereof are in registration with and travel on the corresponding rails ofeither the upper or lower course of the conveyor. As each carriage approaches the left hand end of upper rails 47 each guide roll 57 engages one of the arcuate outer tracks 43 on guide 42. The curvature of'track 43 is such that as guide roll 57 travels alongthe same rolls 51', 52 are maintained in contact with inside track 44 since the carriages are free to rock about the connecting rods. 54. When the carriages complete the circuit of' guides 42, around the drive sprockets, their rolls have just been positioned on the lowerrails andthus-as the rollsleave the inside track 44 they are already rolling freely on said lower rails. When the carriages arrive at the right hand end of the lower course the' guide rolls 57 are once again similarly engaged by the arcuate guides 40 associated with idler sprockets 31 and the carriages are guided and supported around the idler sprockets as previously pointed out in connection with' the drive sprocket end of the conveyor.

During operation. the conveyor is constantly driven at a uniform speed by motor 34. The distance between the centers of shafts 27 and 28 is selected so that the carriages may traverse the path described by the conveyor at a relatively slow rate, approximately four to six inches per minute being. satisfactory when luminescent screens are being settled. Another factor which must be considered is that after the envelopes are carried past the dispenser 21 sufiicient time must remain for the coating to settle out of solution onto the face of the envelopes before they are carriedaround the drive sprockets to the lover course. Thus, the. maximum permissible speed will be determined by the length of the conveyor and the time required for settling; Since such coatings are sensitive to vibration it is necessary to maintain the rate at whichthe conveyortravels relatively slow.

The dispenser Envelopes 63; Fig. 1, loaded onto the carriage in position' A are carried up over the idler sprockets through position B whereas the envelopes continue in motion the dispenser isactu'ated-to: move. into dispensing'or operating position and deliver to each envelope a charge of coat ing ingredients. Referring now to Figures 1, 6-12, it is seen that dispenser 21 is supported on a platform 67 spaced above conveyor 20. As is apparent in Figure 6, platform 67 has an opening 68 and supports on one side of this opening a tubular column 69 on which is mounted a vertically movable slide 70. Also positioned on platform 67 and adjacent tubular column 69 is an air cylinder 71 which is vertically positioned and has a piston rod 72 rigidly connected to a shelf 70a integral with or connected to slide 70. Also connected to the piston rod 72 of the air cylinder and opposed thereto is a piston rod 73 of a hydraulic cylinder 74 connected to tubular column 69 at the upper ends thereof. Collar 75 is rigidly mounted on tubular column 69 adjacent the lower end of hydraulic cylinder 74. Hydraulic control valves 76, 77 are mounted one on each side on collar 75. Each control valve has a stem 78, 79 carrying a roll 80, 81, respectively. Spaced from each of the rolls 80, 81 is a backing roll 82, 83 adjustably connected to and rotatable on collar 75. Connected to shelf 70a intermediate the piston 72 and slide 70 are two upstanding cam rods 84, 85. As is most clearly shown in Figures 6 and 7, cam rod84 passes between valve stem roll 80 and backing roll 82; these rolls being in rolling engagement therewith while cam rod 85 extends between roll 81 and backing roll 83. The cam rods being pivotally connected to shelf 70a, their lateral displacement is controlled by backing rolls 82, 83. Thus, it is seen that the backing rolls together with cam rods 84, 85 control the travel of valve stems 78, 79.

Air cylinder 71 has connected thereto adjacent each of its ends air lines 86, 87 connected to a source of air pressure and an exhaust line (not shown) through a solenoid actuated control valve 76. Hydraulic cylinder 74 is connected at each of its ends to a closed hydraulic fluid system which acts to control the operation of air cylinder 71. The lower end of hydraulic cylinder 74 is, as is schematically shown in Figure 16, connected to tube 87 leading to control valve 76. The other side of control valve 76 has a tube 88 open to accumulator 89 and which is connected to one side of control valve 77. The other side of the control valve 77 is connected to the upper end of hydraulic cylinder 74 by a tube 90. Since the amount of hydraulic fluid displaced from cylinder 74 varies as piston rod 73 enters and leaves the same, the accumulator is placed in the line to provide for this. The system is maintained completely full at all times by a suitable filler at 88a, Fig. 16. Also the system is maintained at some predetermined pressure to insure proper control. The desirable pressure will depend upon the load involved and is readily ascertainable.

Rigidly connected to the slide 70 adjacent to the lower end thereof is an elevator frame 91 adapted to pass through the opening 68 in platform 67. Opposite tubular column 69 and positioned to the other side of elevator frame 91 is an upstanding supporting column 92 which is also carried by platform 67. Connected to the upper and lower ends of supporting column 92 by means of collars 93, 94 are vertically positioned bar rails 95, 96. Rails 95, 96 terminate at their upper ends in collar 93 which supports an upwardly presented extension 97 on which is rotatably mounted pulley 98. A cable 99, threaded through pulley 98, is connected at one end to elevator frame 91 as indicated at 100 while its other end is connected at 101 to a compensating weight 102 vertically slidable in the bore of supporting column 92. Positioned on a side of elevator frame 91 are two horizontal pins 104, 105 which extend into the passageway formed by bar rails 95, 96. Pins 104, 105 are vertically and horizontally displaced with respect to one another and carry rotatably mounted at their ends rolls 106 and 107, respectively. As is most clearly shown in Figure 7, roll 106 is in engagement with bar rail 95 while roll 107 is in engagement with rail 96 thereby eliminating the possibility of lateral sway as elevator frame 91 travels up and down.

Switches S5 and S6 may be mounted adjacent to one another supported by a collar 169 which is slidable on supporting column 92 and which may be clamped thereon in any desired position. Both of these switches-are maintained closed by the elevator frame 91 when it is in its starting or raised position. Switch S5 is a triple pole switch and as indicated in Figure 17 is connected on one side to the source of electrical current supply while on the other side it is connected in series with each of the switches S3 as will be more fully described below.

Three similar dispensing units 108, 109 and 110 are disposed on elevating frame 91 and carried thereby. Inasmuch as the construction and operation of each of these dispensing units are identical in every respect, I shall point out in detail the specific construction and operation of only one such dispensing unit and for the sake of clarity and brevity, I have indicated corresponding parts of each dispensing unit with identical reference characters in the drawings. Dispenser 108 includes a liquid holding tank having three walled 01f compartments 111, 112 and 11.3, each being adapted to store a quantity of one of the ingredients to be discharged from the dispenser unit. As indicated, compartment 111 is provided with an agitator 114 though any or all of the compartments may be equipped with agitators as desired. Each compartment has an outlet opening provided with a valve seat 115 while a valve stem 116 depends from the cover of each compartment and carries a valve 117 which rests on valve seat 115 in sealing engagement therewith. At their upper ends valve stems 116 are each connectedto a solenoid 118. The discharge openings from the three compartments are located adjacent to one another and each has a length of resilient tubing 119 in registration therewith and depending therefrom. Spaced intermediate the three tubes 119 and depending from elevator frame 91 is a rail 120 having three slideways 121, 122 and 123. Each of the slideways is presented toward one of the tubes 119. As most clearly shown in Figure 10, tubes 119 may be conveniently spaced 120 apart with respect to the center of rail 120. Solenoid actuated and air pressure operated clamps 124, and 126 are slidably mounted respectively on slideways 121, 122 and 123 and each encircles one of the tubes 119. Each solenoid actuated clamp may be positioned in any desired location along the length of its,

slideway by means of a locking screw 127, and when deenergized pinch their respective resilient tubes 119 so as to collapse the walls thereof and make a liquid tight seal. To facilitate the location of each of the solenoid actuated clamps in its proper position, a graduated scale may be placed along rail 120 as indicated at 128. It should be understood that valve stems 116 as well as clamps 124, 125 and 126 are actuated by solenoids and operated by air pressure delivered from air cylinders not shown. The lower ends of tubes 119 are open to the atmosphere and overhang a funnel 128, the construction of which will now be pointed out.

Funnel or mixer 128, Figures 8, 9 and 11 (of which there are three, one for each of the dispenser units) is substantially rectangular in cross section having a depending spout 128a and carried by a cradle 129 to which it may be rigidly connected by means of straps 130 or the like. Cradle 129 is provided with four wheels 131 which run on the upper surfaces of two parallel tubular rails 132, the ends of which are supported by elevator frame 91 and which extend in a direction parallel the upper course of conveyor 20. Cradle 129 may be provided with two auxiliary wheels 133, one to run along and engage the under surface of each of the tubular rails 132. Cradle 129 is provided with a depending skirt portion 134 which substantially encircles the lower portion of funnel 128. A pair of bushings 135 one on each side of skirt portion 134 are mounted intermediate the ends menace thereof and to receive the'pivots 1361 of aiU-sliaped.yoke= 137 which (in Figure 11) extends around andbelow" one* end of: funnel: 128; The'armsi oi: the: yoke extend somewhat beyond and above pivots 136: and have transverse bores-138 extending therethrough adjacentrthe ends thereof. As willbe apparent, bores-138 are vertically disposed in one position of. yoke 137 andtilted inianother.

A pair of-ro'ds 13.9are slidable in bores 138and'depend' 140 are adjustably-t ing- 142 each: of. which is vertically. slidabl'e. along its respective rodintermediater the lower'end of. the rod and collan 141'. A stop nut= 143 or. the like is threaded: on the'lower end-of each rod-.139 and serves to'retain sliding bearings 142 when thesarne" are in their lowermost position. An elongated'platform1144 is supported and connected at each of its: ends by one: of the sliding:bearings 142 and has suitably positioned apertures through which rods 139 extendl Depending from. platform 1441 181a trigger bar 1'45the center of which is substantially in' alignment with the axis of funnel spout 128a and the axisofnthe neck of an advancing envelope 63} Thevertical. length of trigger bar (Figure9) is: suchzthat' it" depends sufiicientlyfar below platform-144 and the:lower end of funnel. spout 128:: as: tobe' engaged by the neck of an advancingx envelope 63 when the dispenser 21 is in its raised. positiomor removed from operating position.

Extendingfrom' the edge of platform 144 (Figure 12) whichiis presented toward'funnelispout128a is a U -shaped lip 146. The center line oflip 1 46 is also invregistration with'theaxis ofispont 128a and its. arms are. sospaced apart. asto'lie one on each side of and adjacent to spout2128a.

An adjustable set: screw' yoke 137i andiengages alstopr 148*carried1by: cradle 129 so as tocontrol the maximum. rotation out of horizontal.

position of'yoke' 137 about its pivots 136. Thus, the amplitudeof thearcfdescribed by'rods 139, platform 144 and triggertbar 145 is a function of thedistance from the end ofstop screw'147 to stop' 148wh'en lies in a horizontali position;

A drip collector: may from spout.128a after it skirt 134 ofi cradle 129'and extending. transversely below funnel 128. (Figure. 112) are'. a: pair of rods 149,- 150.

R'ods' 149,: 150 are horizontally disposed and are connected ateachiof their ends to skirt 134; Dependingfro'm rod1149 and pivotallyconnectedlthe'reto' is a pair of parallel levers'i151 (Figures 8,--9). A similar pair'of parallel levers 152 are pivotally connected to and" depend from rod 150. Levers 151 and152' form a parallelsystem-and' are pivotallyconnected at their lower' ends to the arms 1 53 of adrip'pan1'54'. Drip pan 154 has 'aninclined fioor which serves to* direct any liquid collected by drip pan 154=toward.an openingl55- formed therein and which is connected-to: a flexible wastepipe 156. A motor 157 is carried by skirt 134 of cradle 129'and has a crank 158. Interconnecting-crank 158 and one of the levers 151 which supports drip-pan-15'4 is a link 159' having a sleeve or collar 160 connectedto one end thereof and which en-- gages-said lever 151. Motor 157 may be equipped-with a one half turn-clutch so that when energized'crank 1'58 turns 180? and'then: stops.

A switch S1 is. carried byskirt l34'and' is so positioned belowyoke 137- as-to be thrown by, the-yoke whenlth'e. same moves-from a tilted position. to the horizontaliposi tion. Switch- 51 may also serveto-bias: the yoke. to. itslength thereof. As is- 147 is centrally mounted on yoke: 137

be provided to catch di'ippings has been raised. Supported. by

" switch S3 which itmaintains open.

tilted position or separate" biasing means in the" form: of: a-

may' be used.'. Switch S2v is. also carried=by skirt 134 and depends therefromso as"tobcclosed by platform 144' after it has travelled upwardly. along the rods- 1-39 and when it reaches its uppermost coil: spring. or the like position.

As pointed out;

position (Figmre 9) cradle 129- is in Switch S3 is connected to elevator frame 91 and is positioned intermediate tubular rails132. Another motor 161 is mounted on elevator frame 91 adjacent the starting or right-hand position of funnel'128 and drives a pulley 162 which winds 3.

cable 163when motor 161 is energizedand which permits the cable tounwindfreely when theimotor is deenergiz'edl Cable 163 is connected to the cndof cradle 129 as at 164". In the position of the various parts shown in Figure 8, rods 139 carrying collars 140 have been displaced up wardly withrespect to funnclI28. As pointed out cradle 129 carrying funnel 128 is free to travel toward the left of Figure 8 which direction coincides with the direction of travel of the line of envelopes 63' carried by conveyor cams 165 so long'as they are'in contact therewith. Positioned on the same wall of elevator frame 91 and intermediate tubular rails i32is an emergency switch 54 which is closed by the end of cradle 129 just before it reaches the end of its free-travel.

Each of the tunnels is provided with a pipe 166 (Figures 8, 9). having holes or outlets 167 and which extends around the funnel just inside the lip thereof. Pipe 166 is connected to a flexible water conduit 168 which in turn is connected to' a source of water supply through a solenoid operated valve VI.

It is to be clearly. understood that each of the dispenser units 108; 109and110is disposed over a line of envelopes 63'whichpass thereunder as they are carried along by the conveyor. As pointed out hereinabove, each of the dispenscr units is provided with identical parts corresponding to those described in detail in connection with dispenser unit 108. Thus, each dispenser unit has, for example, a corresponding set of tubular rails 132 upon which its funnel 128ismounted free to travel from a starting position'in the same'direction as the conveyor carries the three lines of envelopes 63.

The skirt-134 of yoke 129 is indicated in Figures 8 and 9 may be provided with a pair of switches S7 and S8 proaches the dispenser moving from right to left (Figure 1), each of the envelopes being inline with one. of the trigger bars 145. As shown in Figure 9, yoke 137 is in its normal positionwith set screw 147 upagainst stop 148. Elevator 91 carrying the three-dispenser units 108, 109 and 110 is in its raised or starting position. In the schematic wiringdiagram, Figure 17, the various switches and relays are shown as set just prior to the engagement of the trigger bars 145 by the envelopes. It is to be understood that the relays to be referred to are ofthe selflatching type while the timer, which may be mounted on the dispenser as indicated in Figure l,,is of the conventional motor'driven multi-contact variety.

As each of the envelopes contacts its corresponding trigger bar 145 and continues to be carried alongby the conveyor, this motion is imparted to each of thetrigger bar s,.thereby rods 139 carried byyokes 137 swing'about thelr pivots; 136 (Figure 11). The yokes being pivoted; 1 their right ends swingdownward and: throw'switches Sltfunnel128' carried by cradle 129'is'free; to travel on tubular rails 132. In its starting or right-hand engagement with a As is apparent in Figure 17 one pole of each of the three switches S1 is connected in series between coil K1 of relay RL1 and the source of electrical power supply while the other poles are connected between switch S6 and the source. When all three of the yokes have been pivoted throwing the three switches S1, coil K2 is deenergized while K1 is energized unlatching relay RL1 and permitting the contacts thereof to drop down. Switch S7 being maintained closed by the cam on crank 158, the circuit is now closed to each of the drip pan motors which are now energized and rotate their cranks drawing the three drip pans out from under each of the funnel spouts 128a. After the cranks have rotated 180 switch S7 is allowed to open thus stopping the motors While switch S8 is closed by the crank completing the circuit to coil K3 of relay RL2. When coil K3 is energized relay RL2 is unlatched permitting its contacts to drop down and complete the circuit to coil K6 of valve V6 which when energized connects the upper end of cylinder 71 to the source of air pressure. Elevator frame 91 then starts down under the action of air piston rod 72 and controlled by the opposed hydraulic system through cam rod 85 and valve 77. Asthe elevator frame starts down switches S5 and S6 are opened. While the elevator frame continues downward funnel spouts 128a enter the necks of the envelopes while the rims of the envelope necks allow the trigger bars 145 to slide by until they abut the under surfaces of lips 146 on their respective platforms 144 and stop their further downward movement. Rods 139 continue downward until their collars 141 abut platforms 144 which had been previously stopped by the envelopes and arrest their further downward movement as well as rods 139. As the elevator frame continues downward, rods 139 having had their downward movement thus arrested, collars 140 are raised above cams 165. Just before elevator frame 91 reaches the end of its downward travel, the platforms close switches S2, the closing of any one of which starts the discharge cycle. By connecting the three switches S1 in series I insure that the dispenser will not start down until all of the envelopes have come into precise alinement with their funnel spouts. Thus, being assured of the alinement of the spouts and envelope necks, I connect the three switches S2 in parallel so that closing of any one of them initiates the discharge into all three envelopes and failure of one or even two of these switches does not interfere with the dispensing of the coating forming ingredicuts.

The timer is connected, as indicated in Figure 17, to the valves and pinch clamps of the dispenser units 108, 109, and 110; the corresponding solenoids of the three units being actuated simultaneously. In the present instance the timer program may be as follows: Valve VI opens and closes discharging a cushion of water into each of the envelopes, which water is only part of the total required. Then while each of the three sets of pinch clamps 124, 125 and 126 are closed the nine solenoids 118 are actuated raising valves 117 and allowing all tubes 119 to be filled above the pinch clamps with their respective ingredients. The corresponding pinch clamps of the dispenser units are set so as to measure equal amounts of the same ingredient. Then solenoids 118 are deenergized, closing valves 117 and the pinch clamps 124, 125, and 126 are opened allowing the measured quantities of ingredients to flow through the funnels into the envelopes. The pinch clamps are then closed when their solenoids are deenergized and valves V1 are once again opened and closed delivering the rest of the required amounts of water. This final charge of water also serves to flush the funnels as a result of the positioning of the pipes 166 around the lips of the funnels. Just before the timer resets itself for another cycle it momentarily energizes coil K4 of relay RL2, the contacts of which are shifted to the raised position where they are latched. With the contacts of relay RL2 raised, valve V6 is shifted connecting and are maintained raised even though platforms 144 are.

no longer being supported by the rims of their respective envelopes. With the trigger bars 145 being thus maintained raised envelopes 63 which have just received a charge of coating forming ingredients are free to be carried past thereunder. As the elevator frame reaches its fully raised position switches S5 and S6 are closed. Since switches S3 are normally closed the circuit is now closed to each of the funnel return motors 161 which now wind their cables 163 to return each of the funnels to their starting positions. As each funnel reaches its starting position the end of its cradle opens its switch S3 thus deenergizing its motor. When all of the funnels are returned all of the switches S3 are opened. After the funnels have started to move to the right under the influence of their cables, collars 140 are carried off of their respective cams 165 and rods 139, platforms 144 and trigger bars 145 are now free to drop down into position to be acted upon by the next row of envelopes. During the raising of elevator frame 91, trigger bars 145 were carried up out of engagement with the envelope necks thus permitting yokes 137 to pivot and throw the three switches S1 back to the position indicated in Figure 17. When switch S6 was closed as the elevator frame reached its raised position the circuit to coil K2 of relay RL1 was completed, energizing the same and shifting the contacts of this relay to the raised position. With the contacts of relay RL1 raised and since switch S8 has been closed during the discharge cycle, the circuit to the drip pan motors 157 is completed and the drip pans are returned to their positions underneath spouts 128a. On completion of the revolution of crank 158 necessary to return the drip pans, switch S8 is opened while switch S7 is closed. The dispenser is now ready to repeat the same cycle on the arrival of the next row of envelopes.

Switches S4 are provided as emergency raise switches in the event the timer should fail to energize coil K4 of relay RL2 before any one of cradles 129 has reached the end of its free travel along its rails. It is apparent from Figure 17 that should any one of the switches S4 be closed, coil K4 is energized thus causing the raising of the elevator frame irrespective of the setting of the timer and thus avoiding damage to the apparatus or to the envelopes. Similarly, triggers 145 and yokes 137 insure alinement of all the spouts with their envelopes before the elevator frame can start down.

After having been charged with coating forming ingredients by the dispenser, the envelopes continue to be carried along the path of the upper course of the conveyor. The length of this path is such that at the speed at which the envelopes are traveling they do not reach position C at the end of the upper course until the coating or screen forming particles have settled out of solution. As the envelopes are carried beyond position C, they are gradually tilted to an inverted position when they arrive at D. During tilting excess liquid is poured out of the envelopes which is caught by splash guard 66 having channel 6611 which leads off the waste liquid;

This pour 0115 must be carried out very slowly, otherwise the settled screen will slip to become uneven. It must also be carried out continuously, since any hesitation in the action will cause a line'on the screen where the surface of the pouring liquid hesitates.

To aid in the accomplishment of the first of these, the sprockets are large enough to give the desired slow speed of pour off with the best speed of settling. In the present example this is a pitch diameter of 39 inches. The.

11 sec nd conditionis inherent in the operation of the rest of the machine, i. e... continuous motion of conveyor ,without ,harmful vibration or hesitation. In the presentinstance, the travel of the chains and hence the upper and lower courses of the conveyor may be set at fourinches per minute.

Rinse and dry Next to be considered is the apparatus for setting the coating which may include as a preliminary step the washing and rinsing of the envelope followed by drying of the coating. Referring now to Figures 13, 14 and 15, it is apparent that tube envelopes 63 are carried inverted through the wash and rinse position 22 as well as dry position '23. A substantially rectangular platform 200 has upstanding side walls 201 and end walls 203, 204 forming a rectangular tank open at the top. As will be pointed out hereinafter platform 200 is vertically reciprocating in operation and therefore the tank walls are of such height that they do not interfere when in their topmost position with the passage of envelopes '63. Platform 200 is supported adjacent each of its corners by four identical and parallel linkages or link systems 205, 206, 207, 203 each of which comprises a long link 209-and a short link 210 one-half the length of link 209.

Each link 209 is pivotally connected as at 211 to platform 200 adjacent each corner thereof, while the opposite ends thereof are each pivotally connected to a slide block 212 free to slide horizontally in a frame or slideway 213. The lower or left hand ends of links 210 looking in the direction of Figure 13 are pivotally connected to-fixed blocks or lugs 214 and at their opposite ends are pivotally connected to the center of the corresponding long links 209 as indicated at 215. The sliding blocks 212 of linkages 205 and 206 are operativcly interconnected by means of a rod or tie bar 216 while the slide blocks of linkages 207 and 208 are connected by rod or tie bar 217. Tie bar 217 extends through a bore 218 in a bridge 219 connected to or integral with a yoke 220. One end of yoke 220 is in face-to-face engagement with the sliding block of linkage 207 while the other end thereof is in engagement with the sliding block of linkage 208. .On one side, bridge 219 is connected to piston rod 221 and piston 222 which is free to reciprocate in cylinder 223. Cylinder 223 is connected at 224 and 225 by meansof suitable pipes to a solenoid operated valve V2 which, in turn, is connected on one side to a source of air pressure and on the other to an exhaust pipe. As will be more .fully pointed out hereinbelow, solenoid operated .valve V2 is connected to a source of electrical power supply through operative position of valve V2, end 224 of cylinder 223 is connected to the source of air pressure while the other end 225 is connected to exhaust. In the other position of valve V2, end 224 is connected to exhaust and end 225 is connected to air pressure. As is clear from Fig ure 14, tie bar 216 is also connected to yoke 220 by means of bars 253 and 254. To permit fine adjustment of the rate of rise and descent of platform 200, yoke 220 is connected to piston rod 226 of piston 227 free to reciprocate in cylinder 228. As schematically indicated in Figure 14, the ends of cylinder 228 are connected through a conduit 229 having an accumulator .230 in the line. Cylinder 228, conduit 229 and accumulator 230 are filled with a suitable hydraulic fluid and the rate at which piston 227 may reciprocate is controlled by the hydraulic fluid, the passage of which, from one side of the piston to the other, is regulated by valves .231 and 232. Valves 231 and 232 are of the type which adjustably control the flow of hydraulic fluid in one direction while permitting th fluid to through in the opposite direction. Thus, the control plunger of valve 231 is conveniently placed in contact with one suitably designed cam 231a on bar 253 and controls the rate at which platform 200 ascends. Valve 232 is similarlylocated in connection with another-cam switches S10 and S11. For one freely flow there- 5 12 232a carried by bar 253 and controls therate of rdcsc qnt of platform200.

On platform 200 are two rowsof spouts 233 2111:1234. It is to be understood that there are as many spouts in each row as there are envelopes 63 in eachrowof envelopes across the conveyor 20. Also, the spouts are so disposed that they come into registration with the longitudinal or vertical axis of the envelopes that pass inverted over them. The spouts are preferably mounted on flexible rubber holders 235 to relieve the strain on the neck of the envelopes should one come into contact with a spout. Thus, as indicated, there may be six such spouts all of which are connected to a header 236 which, in turn, is connected to a source of washing solution by means of flexible tubing 236a through a solenoidoperated valve V3 which is also actuated by the closing of switch S10. Spouts 233 and 234 are closed at the upper ends and have downwardly directed passages formed in-their walls through which liquid is directed downwardlyat the necks of envelopes 63 into which the spouts have been inserted. Concentric with the spouts and adjacent the upper ends thereof are arcuate tubes 237 which have inwardly directed perforations and which are also connected to the header 236. This permits simultaneous washing of the outer surfaces of the envelope necks with the washing of the inner surfaces thereof.

Switch S10 is supported by frame 24 in such position that it is actuated by each actuator bar 65 to bring platform 200 up and carry spouts 233 up into the necksof one row of envelopes while spouts 234 are carried up in the necks of the preceding row of envelopes; thus, each row of envelopes is washed twice, once by spouts 233 and once by spouts234. Switch S11 may be mounted on frame 24 in such position that it is actuated by trip 238 connected to end wall 203 and is closed by the trip 238 as platform 200 arrives in its topmost position.

Positioned beyond wash and rinse platform 200 in the direction of travel of the lower ,course of conveyor 20 and to the right of platform 200 as shown in Figure 13, is an air-dry platform 239 which is supportedona system of four parallel linkages identical in all respects with those described in connection with platform 200. Furthermore, the linkages of platform 239 are actuated by compressed air and controlled by ahydraulicsystem also identical in every respect with that shown and described in connection with wash platform 200. Thus, platform 239 is supported by four linkages 305, 306, 301, 308; corresponding pairs of which are interconnected by tie bars 316 and 317. Tie bar 317 extends through a bore 318 in bridge 319 of yoke 320. Yoke 320 as'in the case of yoke 220, is connected on one side to a piston rod and piston 321 and 322 which reciprocate in air cylinder 323. On the other side, yoke 320 is connected to piston and piston rod 328, 326, which reciprocate in cylinder 328. Ends 324 and 325 of cylinder 323 are connected through valve V5 to a source of air pressure or an exhaust line in accordance with the setting of valve V5. The detailed construction of these various parts will be apparent from an examination of the elevating mechanism of platform 200 and is, therefore, not repeated here.

Movably mounted on platform 239 and free to travel between the ends thereof is a dry rack 240 mountedon wheels241 and which carries rows of air spouts 242 and 24-3. As in the case of spouts 233 and 234, the number of spouts in each row 242 and 243 is the same as the number of envelopes in each row across conveyor 20. Furthermore, the spouts are positioned vso as -to be in registration with the envelopes which successively pass over them. The air spouts may be suitably interconnected adiacent their lower ends by a system of conduits which is, in turn connected to a source of compressed air by means of flexible tubing 244 through a valve V4. -Depending from the iight hand end or leadingedge240a of air rack 240 is a pin 245 which extends downwardly through an elongated longitudinal slot 246 inthe floor of platform 239. As stated, air rack 240 is movable on platform 239 from left to right and back again. Positioned below platform 239 and having its center somewhat to the right of edge 240a of the air rack when the air rack is in its extreme left hand position is a rotatably mounted sprocket 247. A motor and sprocket 248 is disposed below platform 239 and to the right of the right hand end thereof. Sprockets 247 and 248 carry an endless chain 249 stretched between them. A plurality of spaced pins 250 are mounted on chain 249 and project horizontally therefrom. Sprockets 247 and 248 are so disposed with respect to slot 246 that pin 245 extending down through slot 246 may be engaged by one of the pins 250 on the upper course of chain 249 when the platform is in its lowered position. Motor and sprocket 248 drive chain 249 so that its upper course travels to the left in the direction of Figure 13 or counter clockwise.

Valve V is connected to a source of electrical power supply through switches S12, S13, S14 and S15. Switch S12 is disposed on frame 24 so as to be closed by each moving actuator bar 65 as it passes the same. Switch S13 which is normally closed is also supported on frame 24 and is so spaced apart from switch S12 as to be opened by one of the actuator bars a short time interval after switch S12 has been closed. Switch S14 is mounted adjacent the left hand end of platform 239 and is maintained closed so long as air rack 240 is in its starting or left hand position. Switch S15 is mounted adjacent the other end of platform 239 and is closed by air rack 240 as the same approaches its terminal position. Switch S16 is mounted on platform 239 to the right of or beyond switch S15 and acts as an emergency switch in the event switch S15 falls to function properly when closed by the air rack.

Flexible air tube 244 is connected to its source of compressed air through solenoid actuated valve V4 which is open when a switch S17 is closed. Switch S17 is so disposed on the supporting frame as to be closed by platform 239when the platform reaches its raised position. Air rack 240 has centrally positioned on its left hand end looking in the direction of Figure 13 a tongue 251 which is releasably engaged by a latch 252 disposed in alinement therewith on the left end of platform 239 and which serves to releasably retain air rack 240 in its starting position when it has been returned thereto by chain 249. Supported on the sides of the air rack 240 are two alined elongated fingers 255 which extend upwardly and are of such length as to come into engagement with the connecting rod 54 of the carriage 48 which is in alinement with air spouts 242. Fingers 255 are of sufficient size and strength as to transmit the motion of the carriage with which they are in engagement to air rack 240.

i In operation, after the envelopes have passed from C to D around the left hand end of the conveyor and have had excess liquid removed they arrive at position E where the actuator bar of each row closes switch S in passing. Switch S10 is connected tothe source of current on one side and on the other side to coil K7 of relay RL3 through a time delay relay TD. When switch S10 is closed coil K7 is momentarily energized to unlatch the relay and allowits contacts to fall and is then deenergized by the action of time delay relay TD. With the contacts of relay RL3 down, coil K9 of valve V2 is energized shifting the valve so that the end 225 of cylinder 223 is connected to a source of air pressure while end 224 thereof is open to exhaust. This drives piston 222 to the left. Piston 222 being connected through its piston rod 221, bridge 21 9 and yoke 220 to both tie bars 216 and 217, its motion is transmitted through the four parallel linkages to platform 200 and elevates the same. The function of time'delay relay or circuit breaker TD is toinsure that coil K7 has been deenergized before platform 200 reaches its fully raised position. Since the envelopes continue in motion the wash and rinse time is relatively short; Simultaneous with the shifting of valve V2 by relay RL3, coil K11 of valve V3 is energized starting the flow of wash solution through spouts 233 and 234 which are carried up by platform 200 into the necks of the overhanging envelopes. As platform 200 reaches its operating or highest position it engages and closes switch S11- energizing coil K8 of relay RL3 which raises the contacts of this relay. Coil K11 of valve V3 is deenergized while coil K10 is energized shifting valve V2 which now connects the end 224 of cylinder 223 to air pressure while end 225 thereof is connected to exhaust. Piston 222 is now driven to the right and platform 200 is carried down to its starting position. It is to be understood that switch S10 is so positioned that when it is closed by one of the actuator bars, the envelopes carried by the carriage of which said actuator bar is a part are in registration with spouts 233 while spouts 234 are in registration with the envelopes of the next preceding row.

As the envelopes continue in motion the actuator bar of their carriage next engages and closes, in passing, switch S12. Immediately after switch S12 is closed, switch S13, which is normally closed, is opened by the actuator bar of the carriage next preceding the one which closed switch S12. Thus, if air rack 240 is in its left hand or starting position and is therefore maintaining switch S14 closed, coil K12 is momentarily energized releasing the contact of relay RL4 and permitting them to drop out. In this position of relay RL4, coil K14 of valve V5 is energized shifting this valve in the same manner coil K9 shifted valve V2. The elevating mechanism of platform 239 being identical to that of platform 200, its operation will be understood from the foregoing description of the elevation of platform 200. As platform 239 reaches its operating or raised position fingers 255 carried by air rack 240 are interposed in front of connecting rod 54 of the carriage which closed switch S12, the motion of this carriage being imparted to air rack 240 which is free to travel on platform 239 in the same direction the carriage is being carried by the conveyor. Also as platform 239 reaches its operating position, it closes a switch S17 energizing the coil of valve V4 starting the flow of drying air to spouts 242, 243. By the raising of platform 239 into operating position spouts 242 are carried up into the row of envelopes carried by the carriage which closed switch S12 while spouts 243 are carried up into the next preceding row of envelopes carried by the carriage which opened switch S13. As air rack 240 approaches the end of its free travel, its right hand end (Fig. 13) closes switch S15 energizing coil K13 and raising the contacts of relay RL4. With the contacts of relay RL4 raised coil K16 'of valve V5 is energized shifting the valve and reversing the elevating mechanism of the dry platform 239 causing the same to be lowered. As platform 239 is lowered S17 opens deenergizing the coil of valve V4 and shutting oif the flow of drying air. When platform 239 is back in its starting or fully lowered position, pin 245, depending through slot 246 from the end of air rack 240, is engaged by one of the projecting pins 250 on chain 249. With pin 245 thus engaged air rack 240 is carried back to its starting position where its left hand end closes switch S14 and tongue 251 is engaged by clamps 252.

By arranging switches S12, S13 and S14 as described hereinabove, I avoid the possibility that the air platform will be raised except when the air rack 240 is in its starting position when switch S12 is first closed. Thus if the air rack is not in its starting position When S12 is closed and fails to return before switch S13 is opened, a late return of the air rack will not close the circuit to start the dry platform up. The time interval between the closing of S12 and the opening of S13 is such if the dry platform goes up during that interval the air spouts will be in line with the envelopes and will enter their necks. When S13 has been opened the envelopes have travelled so far as to place them out of alinement with the air spouts. The-requiredidrying time is usually so long that:

preventtheclosing of the circuit to valve V51 except whenv the air platform and the air rack are in their starting positions.

After the. coatings-or screens have been dried the envelopes continue to-be carriedvby theircarriages and holders along the path described-by theilower course of conveyor 20 until they returnapproximately to position A. At position A the air valves of holders 58 may be manually opened and the envelopes removed frorn the holders.

In Figure 4, I have shown another form. which the holders for the envelopes may take. Thus, instead of endless tubing 62, I may provide two fingers 172 mounted adjacent to the open end of a holder 173. A third finger 174: is preferably mounted on the wall of holder 173 intermediate fingers 172 and hasconnected to it an adjusting screw 175 which is in threaded engagement with the wall ofiholder 113-. At its outer end screw 175 carries a thumb piece 176 by means of which finger 174 may be readily adjusted; When this type of holder is used it is mounted on carriages as hereinbefore described with respectto holders 58. With adjusting screw 175 unscrewed or. turned out somewhat, an envelope may be inserted into holder 173. Then the adjusting screw is turned in until all. of the fingers 172 and 174 are snug against the side of the envelope. In view of the somewhat conic outline of such objects the base thereof is of larger diameter than the point around which the fingers are disposed and they therefore prevent the envelope from slipping out of the holderseven when it is tilted'or inverted Screw 175 need only be tightened sufliciently to remove free play from the envelope with respect to the holder and should not be so tightened as to damagethe object.

Insteadof guide plates 40 (Figs. 1 and 2) having guide- 42, I- may provide guides in the form of flexible belts or straps 170 (Figure 5) at each of the four corners of conveyor20; Such guide belts 170 may be connected at their ends to:a.suitablebracket on the conveyor frame through sufficiently strong biasing means such as coil springs 171. Whensuch guides are utilized, upper rails 47 are provided-with arcuate extensions 47a which terminate abovethe lower rails-and spaced therefrom by a distance equivalent to the outside diameter ofrolls 51, 52 of carriages. 48. Those carriages which are passing around the ends Oflthfi conveyor rails are maintained thereon by the action of guide-belts jects outwardly fromeach or" the two trucks 50 of carriages 48,, the guide belt being positioned adjacent the rails for this purpose.

While I. have indicated the preferred embodiments of my'invention of which I amnow aware and have also indicated only one specific application for which my. invention may be employed, it will be apparent thatmy invention is by no'means limited to the exact formsrillustrated or the-use indicated, butithat many variationsmay be made in the particular structure used. and the purpose for which it is employed without departing from thescope ofmy invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces: of. objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects,.

meansfor moving said carrier means at a substantially constant speed, a dispenser adapted to discharge quantities of coating forming ingredients, said dispenser including a plurality of sources of different coating form? ing ingredients to bemixedbetore discharge to said.oh-

jects,,a funnelhavingits wider. end adjacent saidsources forxreceiving said different coating. forming ingredients and mixing the. same;

176 on guide rolls 57, one of which pro- I and havingv a spout for directing,

16 the mixed ingredients to one of saidobjects, and means: for moving said funnel toward. said carrier meansinto. dispensing position? when said objects pass said dispenser.

2. In an apparatus for applyingcoatings to: surfaces: of objects, carrier means adapted to carry saidiobjects, means for moving said carrier means. at a substantially,- constant speed, a dispenser positioned above saidicarrieri means and adapted to discharge doses of different coating forming ingredients, mixing means disposed between. said dispenser. and carrier for receivingasaid' difierent in?- gredients andmixingrthe same, said mixing. means having a discharge spout, and means for movingsaiddischarger spout down into dispensing position when said objects pass. said dispenser.

3. In an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects; means for moving said carrier means in rectilinear direction and at a-substantially constant. speed, a dispenser. adapted to discharge coating forming ingredients when.

a in dispensing position, said dispenser including atleast two reservoirs above said carrier means of different coating forming ingredients, a funnel between. saidcarrien means and said reservoirs and movabletransversely of, said reservoirs in said direction, and ducts fromxsaid.res-- ervoirs to said funnel for simultaneously dischargingpre one of said objects, whereby saidfunnelismovedinsaidi rectilinear direction, the other end of. said. funnel. being, elongated in a direction parallel. to saidpath, whereby said funnel is in vertical registry with said ducts during; movement of the funnel.

4. In an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces. of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects,. means for moving said carrier means in arectilineardirectionand at a substantially constant speed,.a dispenser adapted to discharge coating forming ingredients. when in dispensing position, said dispenser. including storage means movable normal to said direction, for at least two different kinds of said ingredients,. a. funnel. having its wider end adjacent said storage means for receiving andl mixing said ditterent ingredients, said funnel having. a

spout at its narrower end, means for intermittently movwider end of said funnel being: elongated in cross-section with the longer dimension of said cross-section parallel to said path, whereby said funnel is inregistrywith said" storage means during movement of the funnel.

5. In an apparatus for applying coatings to' surfaces of. objects, carrier. means adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carrier means in one direction and at a substantially constant speed along a predetermined path, dispensing means including a plurality of tank units and adapted to discharge a pluralityofldiiferent coating forming ingredients when in dispensing position, said dispensing means-further including one funnel for each of said units, said funnels being movably mounted' with respect to and below said'tankunits and movable in said direction, the wider ends. of said funnels having a cross-section including. a relatively long dimension extending in said direction, and means for moving said funnels into engagement with said objects, wherebysaid funnels are. moved alongsaid long dimension andvertical' registry between said tank. units and saidfunnels' is preserved.

6. In an apparatus for applying coatings to'- surfaces of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects; means for moving said carrier means at a constant speed along a predetermined path, movable dispensingm'eans; means for intermittently movingsaid dispensing means toward said path, into dispensing position, and means associated with said dispensing means and for actuating the same when in dispensing position, said actuating means including a platform movable with said dispensing means into engagement with one of said objects, said dispensing means being movable with respect to said platform after said engagement, a normally closed switch on said dispensing means movable with said dispensing means in a predetermined path, said platform when in said engagement being in said path, whereby said switch is opened for starting a dispensing operation.

7. In an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carrier means at a constant speed along a predetermined path, movable dispensing means including a valve, at least one spout connected to said dispensing means, means for intermittently moving said dispensing means toward said path into dispensing position and adapted to be actuated when said spout is in registration with one of said objects, said means for moving including a rod adjacent said spout and extending into said path for deflection in a given path by one of said objects, a power source connected to said dispensing means, and switching means in said given path for actuating said power source, and means for actuating said dispensing means when the same is in dispensing position, said actuating means including a platform fixed to and normal to said rod, said platform being adopted to engage and be stopped by one of said objects in response to said means for moving, said dispensing means including a switch movable in a path including said stopped platform for energizing said valve to open position.

8. In an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carrier means at a constant speed in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path, movable dispensing means including a plurality of tank units and spouts for said units, means for intermittently moving said spouts toward said path into dispensing position, said means for moving including rods closely spaced from said spouts in a'direction opposite to said predetermined direction, whereby said rods are laterally deflected by said objects in a given path, a power source connected to said dispensing means, a switching system including switches in the end portion of said given path connected in series to said power source and adapted to be closed by said rods for energizing said power source, said given path having a length substantially equal to the spacing between said rods and spouts, whereby said means for moving is actuated when each of said spouts is in registration with one of said objects, and means responsive to longitudinal movement of said rods with respect to said dispensing means for actuating said dispensing means when the same is in dispensing position.

9. In an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carrier means in one direction along a predetermined path, movable dispensing means, including a plurality of tanks containing a plurality of different coating ingredients and at least one funnel movable with respect to said tanks parallel to said path and in said direction, for receiving and mixing said different coating ingredients, the wider end of said funnel being adjacent said tanks and having a relatively long dimension in cross-section parallel to said path, whereby said funnel is in registry with said tanks during relative movement between said funnel and tanks, and means for intermittently moving said dispensing means toward said path into dispensing position and back to starting position.

10. In an automatic apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carriages adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carriages in one direction at a constant speed along a predetermined path, dispensing means adapted to discharge measured quantities of coating forming ingredients, said dispensing means including a plurality of tanks, each containing a diflerent coating ingredient and movable only in a direction normal to said one direction and a funnel movable with said tanks and in said direction, trigger means connected to said funnel and adapted to be engaged by said objects, and means actuated when said trigger is engaged by said object for moving said dispenser in said'normal direction and toward said path into operating position, and with said funnel engaging one 'of said objects, whereby said funnel follows the movement of said one of said objects in said one direction.

11. In an automatic apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carriages adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carriages in one direction along a predetermined path at a constant speed, dispensing means adapted to discharge measured quantities of coating forming ingredients, said dispensing means including a plurality of tanks each containing a different coating ingredient and a funnel, said tanks and said funnel being movable towards said path, said funnel being movable in said direction parallel to said path, trigger means connected to said funnel and pivotable with respect thereto from a normal position to a biased position, said trigger means being adapted to be engaged by said objects as they pass predetermined points along said path, and be pivoted to said biased position, and reciprocating means for moving said dispensing means toward said path into operating position actuated when said trigger means reaches its biased position, whereby said funnel engages one of said objects and is moved therewith in said direction.

12. In an automatic apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of objects, carrier means adapted to carry said objects, means for moving said carrier means in one direction along a predetermined path at a substantially constant speed, a dispenser adapted to discharge coating forming ingredients into said moving objects when in dispensing position, drip collecting means normally in position to collect drippings from said dispenser when the latter is out of dispensing position, means for moving said drip collecting means out of said normal position when an object is in registration with said dispenser, and means responsive to said means for moving said drip collecting means for moving said dispenser into dispensing position to discharge said ingredients when said drip collecting means is out of normal position and for returning said dispenser to starting position at the end of said discharge, said means for moving said drip collecting means being constructed and arranged to return said drip collecting means to normal position when said dispenser returns to its starting position.

l3. An automatic dispenser for discharging measured doses of coating forming ingredients into moving objects, comprising at least one dispensing unit movable toward said objects into dispensing positions, a movable spout extending from said dispensing unit toward said objects and adapted to enter one of said objects when in registration therewith, drip collecting means depending from said dispenser unit and normally in position to collect drippings from the end of said spout, means for moving said drip collecting means out of said normal position when said one of said objects is in registration with said spout, means for actuating said dispenser unit when said spout is in said object to discharge a measured dose, and means responsive to said means for moving said drip collecting means for moving said dispenser unit into dispensing position and said spout into said object when said drip collecting means is out of normal position and for returning said dispenser unit to starting position at the end of said discharge, said drip collecting moving means being actuated to return said drip collecting means to normal position when said dispenser unit returns to starting position.

14. An automatic dispenser for discharging measured doses of ingredients into moving objects, comprising movable dispensing means adapted to discharge measured doses when in dispensing position, said dispensing means including a plurality of tank units and a funnel below said tank units, each of said tank units being adapted to discharge a measured dose of a different one of said ingredients to said funnel, whereby said ingredients are mixed in said funnel, means for moving said dispensing means into dispensing position as said objects pass in registration therewith, said funnel having a spout and adapted to enter one of said objects when said dispensing means is in dispensing position, said funnel being movably mounted on said dispenser means and adapted to move with said object so long as said spout is within the same.

15. An automatic dispenser for simultaneously discharging measured doses of ingredients into a plurality of moving objects, comprising an elevating frame, a plurality of dispenser units mounted on said frame, said dispenser units including a plurality of movable funnels one for each of said units and supported by said frame, each of said funnels having a spout. trigger means pivotally connected to each of said funnels and depending below the spout associated therewith, said trigger means being adapted to be engaged and pivoted by said moving objects through a predetermined distance, said trigger means being spaced from said spout said predetermined distance, whereby said spouts are in registration with said objects, and means actuated by said trigger means at the end of travel thereof through said predetermined distance for moving said elevating frame down toward said objects.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,110,990 Provandie Sept. 5, 1914 2,244,651 Goebel et a1. June 3, 1941 2,316,972 Pond Apr. 20, 1943 2,383,023 Sykes et al Aug. 21, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS 2,512 Great Britain Feb. 4, 1896 

1. IN AN APPARATUS FOR APPLYING COATINGS TO SURFACES OF OBJECTS, CARRIER MEANS ADAPTED TO CARRY SAID OBJECTS, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CARRIER MEANS AT A SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT SPEED, A DISPENSER ADAPTED TO DISCHARGE QUANTITIES OF COATING FORMING INGREDIENTS, SAID DISPENSER INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF SOURCES OF DIFFERENT COATING FORMING INGREDIENTS TO BE MIXED BEFORE DISCHARGE TO SAID OBJECTS, A FUNNEL HAVING ITS WIDER END ADJACENT SAID SOURCES FOR RECEIVING SAID DIFFERENT COATING FORMING INGREDIENTS AND MIXING THE SAME, AND HAVING A SPOUT FOR DIRECTING THE MIXED INGREDIENTS TO ONE OF SAID OBJECTS, AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID FUNNEL TOWARD SAID CARRIER MEANS INTO DISPENSING POSITION WHEN SAID OBJECTS PASS SAID DISPENSER. 